What is it?
For over 50 years, Stearns has dominated the PFD market for infants, children and adults. You will find outdoor enthusiasts using their life jackets for swimming in pools, boating, rafting, kayaking and so many more water activities. While the safety and functionality of life jackets is of the utmost importance, Stearns also focuses on developing PFDs with comfort and style.
What sets it apart?
Stearns is one of the most recognizable brands in the PFD market, with over 100 styles. The company truly focuses on how each life jacket will be used and designs them accordingly. Depending on your water activity and skill level, it offers life jackets within all five of the Coast Guard PFD classifications, as well as different styles for comfort and color within those classifications.
How do you use it?
First, you will want to make sure you are choosing the proper life jacket for you and your children. Be sure to read all the details and classifications for each life jacket. Then you can start to select one based on design and color. Once you have your PFD, try it on and adjust the straps. Even wear it around the house for 20 minutes or so. You want to make sure the life jacket is comfortable but also fits you properly. Then, when you are at or near the water, secure your or your child’s life jacket for a fun and safe day on the water!
How much?
$22 – $45
Adventurtunity Family insight:
Since Kade was a baby, we have been using Stearns life jackets for him. He has had both the Infant Puddle Jumper Life Vest with neck pad and the Puddle Jumper Life Jacket. His most recent was the Puddle Jumper Life Jacket, which is the style that has a flotation band around the chest and arms. It still fits him and is perfect for both the ocean or the pool. However, we just got him a youth kayak and knew he would need a proper life jacket that would give him more arm mobility in order to paddle. The Stearns Child Classic Series Vest was exactly what he needed. It’s rated for 30 to 50 pounds (always be sure to check the weight restrictions) and has a lower-profile arm opening. We made sure to size the PFD on him first and let him wear it around a bit before cutting the tags. He has now been on the water with it several times, and it is absolutely what we were looking for, especially when using paddles for kayaks, canoes or paddle boards. It’s comfortable for him to wear, doesn’t limit his range of motion and is a Coast Guard-certified life jacket.
